Building a Good Reputation

Every parent will be delighted to know that his/her child’s reputation away from home draws respect and admiration and makes people want to assign greater responsibilities to the child. One such child was Joseph, the 11th son of Jacob. He was sold to Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh’s special guard, by Ishmaelite merchants that took him to Egypt having bought him from his brothers. Joseph quickly distinguished himself as someone that is attentive to needs, commits to doing what he could to provide for the needs, perseveres until he succeeds, and conveys the image of God in everything he did.

Slave in Charge of Household Affairs

This reputation earned him a high position of responsibility in Potiphar’s household. Potiphar handed his household affairs over to Joseph’s management and prospered as a result. Joseph was 17 years old at the time and had been at home all his life prior to being sold to slavery. Therefore, we can surmise that his character was developed at home through family interactions. His reputation at Potiphar’s house was a manifestation of his family training.

Temptation from the Inside

While everything was going well for Potiphar because of Joseph, temptation visited his household through his wife propositioning Joseph to have an affair with her. Joseph refused, but Potiphar’s wife framed him and convinced her husband that Joseph tried to force himself on her. Potiphar put Joseph in jail without trial or any opportunity for appeal. Potiphar’s harsh judgement of Joseph illustrates unconditional spousal trust. However, the consequences of his action, top among which is losing what essentially was his household lifeline, illustrate the risk in trusting someone that could take undue advantage of the trust.

More Information

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Upcoming Bible Studies

A King for the PeopleFebruary 1, 2019 at 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm+1 2108728759We study interactions between Samuel and people of Israel and with God when Israel demanded and received approval for a king. Part of study series on The King and the People: Understanding Christian basis for government.

Making King Saul Part 1of2February 15, 2019 at 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm+1 2108728759God selects Saul to be king of Israel, informs Samuel the prophet but not Saul. We learn every position to rule a people is a call from God. Part of study series on The King and the People: Understanding Christian basis for government. 1 Samuel 9 & 10.

Making King Saul Part 2of2March 1, 2019 at 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm+1 2108728759God calls a person to be a ruler. The people elect the person that God called. Illustrated through Paul's election-by-lot to be king of Israel. Study series on The King and the People: Understanding Christian basis for government. 1 Samuel 10 & 11